Deepika Padukone Shifts Focus: Why Big-Budget Films No Longer Excite Her

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Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has been garnering significant attention owing to her recent statement on rejecting high-budget films. The actress said big-budget movies don’t excite her anymore and that she will now try focusing on work-life balance and prioritize authenticity over box-office collections. 

The actress specifically highlighted that she has reached a stage in her life where money does not influence her choices.

Prioritizing Creative Authenticity Over Box Office Milestones

Deepika Padukone is shifting her career focus beyond financial benchmarks. She stated that massive box office success no longer excites her. Her recent choices, including her reported exit from big-budget projects like Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, reflect this change. The actress has publicly stated that "Anything that doesn't feel true to me doesn't cut it."

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Authenticity is now the only non-negotiable factor for her in selecting a project. This move sharply contrasts with the ongoing trend where even top actors are seen pursuing the Rs. 1000 crore club. Even though this shift points towards a growing desire for movies with meaningful storytelling, it presents a financial risk.

The reality is that scale often dictates a project's ability to secure large budgets and recoup massive production costs. It is a flexibility that smaller, story-driven films generally lack. However, the actress has stated that being able to empower new actors and back different storylines makes her happy.

The Post-Motherhood Shift: Advocating for Healthier Industry Work Culture

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Dua, Deepika’s daughter, has completely changed her mindset about the film industry's work schedule. She is now a strong advocate for a healthier working culture. Padukone has spoken about the challenges new mothers face when returning to work. Additionally, she feels a strong need for the industry to support returning mothers better.

Deepika Padukone argues that the film fraternity has wrongly normalized excessive work, noting, "We mistake burnout for commitment." She insists that eight hours of work is sufficient for a healthy body and mind. 

Furthermore, she leads by example in her own company, which operates on an eight-hour, five-day work week with established maternity and paternity policies. She also encourages normalizing having children present at the workplace to foster a more compassionate environment.

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